BLUES’ opponents on Sunday, Sheffield United, have boosted their squad by the loan additions of midfielder John-Joe O’Toole, from Watford, and Albion striker Craig Beattie.

They are without Gary Speed, who has suffered a back injury that because of his age, 39, has cast a shadow over his career. Last night, when they lost 2-1 at Hull City in an FA Cup fifth-round replay, they had injury and ineligibility problems.

Matthew Kilgallon, Nick Montgomery and Danny Webber were among those sidelined.